Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa clarified that it’s not his ministry’s responsibility to engage in wage negotiations between Eskom and its employees. He made the statement at the African National Congress’ (ANC) National Executive Committee meeting in Boksburg.
The comments were made after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Solidarity rejected the 3.75% wage offer during talks on Friday.
Although Ramokgopa confirmed that his ministry was not involved in the negotiations, he acknowledged that any disruption could worsen the power crisis.
The unions’ demands for a 15% wage increase, a housing allowance exceeding R1,000, and an 80% contribution to medical aid by Eskom were declined by the power utility. The unions dismissed Eskom’s offer of a 3.75% wage increase since it falls below the inflation rate of 7.1%.